In 1998 [Oxford University Press]? produced a Dictionary of New Zealand English that it claimed was based on over 40 years of research. This research started with Harry Orsman's 1951 Thesis and continued with his publishing this dictionary as the editor. To assist with and maintain this work, the [New Zealand Dictionary Centre]? was founded in 1997.
In most respects, New Zealand English is very similar to Australian English, especially when it comes to choices between words from British English or American English. Many local words, largely borrowed from the indigenous Maori population, have arisen to describe the local flora, fauna, and the natural environment, and some other Maori words have made their way into the language.
Most of the names for native flora and fauna come directly from the [Maori language]? names. Examples of native birds are of course the kiwi, as well as the kea?, kakapo?, tui? and pukeko?, the extinct giant moa?, and the kotuku? or white heron. There are also fish such as hoki?, kahawai? and terakihi?, and shellfish like the toheroa? and paua?.
Most of the native trees also have Maori names, such as the kauri?, rimu? (red pine), totara?, kowhai?, matagouri? and pohutakawa?. Other vegetation with Maori names includes the [[kumara], the native [sweet potato]?.
The work kiwi has acquired other meanings, most commonly as an informal term for New Zealander, or as an adjective instead of New Zealand. The usage of kiwi by Americans to refer to actinidia chinensis, the kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, is not part of New Zealand English and will irritate most New Zealanders.
Many Maori words or phrases that describe Maori culture have become part of New Zealand English. Some of these are:
Other Maori words may be recognised by most New Zealanders, but generally not used in everyday speech:
Leaving aside slang terms, there are a few non-Maori words that are unique to New Zealand English, or shared with Australia.
Although Americans can find it hard to distinguish the New Zealand dialect from the Australian, there are differences in the pronunciation of vowel sounds, which are considerably more clipped in New Zealand English. The main distinguishing sounds are the short 'i' and 'e', as well as words like "chance":
Short i:
Short e:
Chance, dance, etc.:
External links: